As the evening wore on, the tension in the air was palpable at Ashton Gate. Canada’s captain, Alex Tessier, had just led her team to a thrilling semi-final victory over New Zealand, but her slip of the tongue revealed a common mistake as she mixed up opponents for the upcoming final. Little did she know, it would be England taking on Canada’s Maple Leafs for a dramatic showdown.

With a mere two-point lead for France early on, the high-stakes atmosphere kept fans on the edge of their seats. But just when it seemed like anything could happen, England’s star full-back, Ellie Kildunne, swooped in with a jaw-dropping try that solidified their dominance, leading them to a 35-17 victory.

Kildunne has become a household name throughout this tournament, her face splashed across billboards and social media, and her captivating performances at the forefront of England's march to the finals. Sporting trendy cheetah-print cleats, she not only dazzled on the field but also off it, winning over fans with her electrifying presence.

Though she had her ups and downs in previous matches, Kildunne’s explosive performance against France reminded everyone why she was named World Player of the Year last December. She evaded an astonishing 12 defenders—outshining everyone else on the field—and racked up an impressive 208 meters with ball in hand.

But it wasn't just her scoring; it was the swagger she brought to the team. England played with a newfound confidence that had been missing in earlier matches. With highlights such as Megan Jones’ spirited celebrations and Amy Cokayne’s cheeky interactions with the French pack, the atmosphere was electric.

In her post-match interview, Kildunne humbly remarked on her MVP award, suggesting she had "stolen" it. Yet, her performance spoke volumes. Coach John Mitchell and experts alike praised her ability to thrive under pressure, noting her outstanding footwork and tactical prowess.

Despite their win, the match revealed some weaknesses in England's play that could pose challenges in the finals. Their backline struggled at times, raising questions about potential lineup changes. The team had to work out how to maintain momentum after seizing it, as shown by France’s quick-fire tries following England’s efforts.

Looking ahead, with the World Cup final on the horizon and a record crowd expected, the pressure will be on the Red Roses. They have journeyed through six consecutive finals but facing Canada on home soil presents a whole new set of challenges. As they gear up for this monumental match, one thing remains certain: they will need their stars, especially Kildunne, to shine once again.